Postdoc (M/F) in acoustic phon engineering

CNRS; France; Sur place; EUR 35 000 - 55 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

A leading research organization in France is seeking a postdoctoral researcher in nanophononics. The role involves studying phonon dynamics in nanoscale electronic devices, requiring expertise in ultrafast experimental techniques and numerical simulations. Candidates should have a PhD in solid-state physics, extensive experience with pump-probe techniques, and proficiency in high-resolution spectroscopy. This full-time position offers the opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Strong background in solid-state physics, nanostructures, and opto-acoustic interactions.
• Experience with coherent generation and detection of acoustic phonons.
• Proficiency in high-resolution spectroscopic techniques.

Responsabilités

• Investigate the dynamics of phonons in acoustic resonators.
• Design and fabricate nano-acoustic devices.
• Develop experimental setups for optical characterization.
• Execute high-resolution Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy experiments.

Connaissances

Ultrafast experimental techniques

Pump–probe techniques

Optical alignment

Transient signal analysis

Numerical simulation

Scientific programming (Python, MATLAB)

High-resolution spectroscopy

Formation

PhD in solid-state physics or related field

Outils

COMSOL Multiphysics

Description du poste

Organisation/Company CNRS Department Centre de Nanosciences et de Nanotechnologies Research Field Physics » Condensed matter properties Physics » Solid state physics Physics » Surface physics Researcher Profile First Stage Researcher (R1) Country France Application Deadline 4 Dec 2025 - 23:59 (UTC) Type of Contract Temporary Job Status Full-time Hours Per Week 35 Offer Starting Date 1 Jan 2026 Is the job funded through the EU Research Framework Programme? Horizon Europe - ERC Is the Job related to staff position within a Research Infrastructure? No

Offer Description

Nanophononics is a promising field with great potential for controlling sound and heat at the nanometer scale. Over the past thirty years, intensive research on the vibrational properties of semiconductor multilayer systems has led to a deep understanding of acoustic phonons in such structures. However, the development of phononic devices operating in the GHz–THz range remains an open area, offering opportunities for new ideas and applications.

Nanophononics plays a key role in engineering thermal transport in nanoscale electronic devices and could open a new pathway for quantum communications, using phonons as carriers of information.

We will investigate the dynamics of phonons in acoustic resonators formed by Bragg mirrors and thin films of responsive materials (VO₂, mesoporous SiO₂), capable of confining interface modes. Through high-resolution Brillouin scattering and coherent acoustic phonon generation experiments, we will study the dynamical behavior of microstructured systems.

We propose to explore systems in which light (near-infrared) and acoustic phonons (20–300 GHz) can be confined simultaneously.

Numerical simulation and optimization of acoustic and optical resonators

Design and fabrication of nano-acoustic devices

Development of the experimental setup for the optical characterization of coupled micropillars and opto-phononic resonators

Execution of high-resolution Raman and Brillouin spectroscopy experiments, as well as coherent acoustic phonon generation measurements

The postdoctoral position will be carried out within the Quantum Optics in Semiconductor Nanostructures Group (GOSS) at the Centre for Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (C2N), a joint research unit of CNRS and Université Paris-Saclay.

C2N brings together more than 120 researchers and 80 engineers, technicians, and administrative staff. It hosts a state-of-the-art technology platform featuring cleanroom facilities exceeding 2,900 square meters. The GOSS group consists of eight researchers and includes more than 25 PhD students and postdoctoral fellows.

The position falls under a sector subject to protection of scientific and technical potential (PPST) regulations, and therefore, in accordance with French law, your appointment must be authorized by the competent authority of the Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR) prior to your arrival.

The candidate should have a strong background in solid-state physics, nanostructures, and opto-acoustic interactions, as well as proven experience with ultrafast experimental techniques dedicated to the study of phonons.

The desired skills include:

Extensive experience (≥ 4 years) in the implementation and operation of pump–probe techniques for the coherent generation and time-resolved detection of acoustic phonons (20–300 GHz range). A solid command of optical alignment, femtosecond pulse timing control, and transient signal analysis is highly desirable.

Numerical simulation and optimization of acoustic and optical resonators (using COMSOL Multiphysics or equivalent tools) for the design and fine-tuning of structures enabling the simultaneous confinement of phonons and photons.

Design, micro/nanofabrication, and characterization of nano-acoustic and opto-phononic devices, including Bragg resonators and thin films of responsive materials (VO₂, mesoporous SiO₂, etc.).

Proficiency in high-resolution spectroscopic techniques (Raman, Brillouin) for investigating vibrational properties and phonon dynamics in micro- and nanostructured systems.

Solid knowledge of light–matter interactions, thermal transport at the nanoscale, and photon and phonon confinement phenomena.

Additional skills in advanced experimental data processing, scientific programming (Python, MATLAB), and a high level of experimental autonomy will be particularly valued.